Teddy Outlet

A lot of us take teddy bears for granted, thinking only that they provide a source of comfort and cuteness to our otherwise stressed lives. But what’s the history of the teddy bear, some might wonder. Surprisingly, we can thank former United States President Theodore Roosevelt (whose nickname was “Teddy”) for giving us one of our most beloved children’s toys. President Roosevelt was on a bear hunting trip with Mississippi Governor Andrew H. Longino during November 1902 in Longino’s home state where they (and several other hunters) were competing. A political cartoon capturing the event was published in the Washington Post of that same month and year, and when candy shop owner Morris Michtom saw the cartoon he became inspired to create a new toy a little stuffed bear cub that he put in the shop’s window calling it “Teddy’s bear.” An immediate success, the popularity led to Michtom founding the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company (which is closely associated with the Magic 8-ball and the hugely popular Rubik’s Cube). The early bears produced as toys replicated real bears with their elongated snouts and beady eyes but have now evolved to some current favorites that have more baby-like features and even include dresses, uniforms, and other types of clothing. But when it comes to trivia and water cooler conversation, it was President Roosevelt that inspired America’s best loved stuffed animal!